Saudi Arabia’s health minister announced on Sunday that the death toll during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage reached 1,301. Speaking to state television, Fahd al-Jalajel stated that 83 percent of the deceased were pilgrims who had undertaken the journey without the necessary permits. Al-Jalajel explained that these unauthorized pilgrims walked long distances under the intense sun.
Muslim pilgrims have concluded the Hajj pilgrimage under the sweltering summer heat, marking the end of this significant religious event with the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil and the final circumambulation around the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, in the city of Mecca on Tuesday. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of Muslims from around the world to Mecca each year.
This year, pilgrims faced particularly harsh conditions due to the extreme temperatures, which added to the physical and spiritual challenges of the pilgrimage. The ritual of stoning the devil, performed at Mina, involves throwing pebbles at three pillars, symbolising the rejection of evil. This is followed by the “Tawaf al-Wada,” or the farewell circumambulation, where pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
Despite the oppressive heat, the pilgrims carried out these rites with devotion and resilience. Saudi authorities had taken measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the participants, including providing ample water, medical services, and shaded areas. However, the extreme weather conditions remained a significant concern, with many pilgrims experiencing heat-related illnesses.
The Hajj pilgrimage is not only a time for spiritual renewal and seeking forgiveness but also an occasion for Muslims to demonstrate unity and equality. Pilgrims, regardless of their background, dress in simple white garments known as Ihram, symbolising purity and the renouncement of worldly possessions. As the Hajj concluded, pilgrims began to return to their home countries, carrying with them the spiritual lessons and experiences gained during this sacred journey.
The successful completion of the Hajj amidst challenging conditions underscored the enduring faith and commitment of the global Muslim community.
Understanding the Hajj: Rituals, Rules, and Significance
What is Hajj? Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and is considered one of the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundational acts of worship and practice for Muslims. Every adult Muslim who is physically and financially capable is required to undertake this pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. The Hajj takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, specifically from the 8th to the 12th days of the month.
Historical and Religious Significance Hajj commemorates the actions of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim was commanded by Allah to leave his wife Hagar and his son Ismail in the desert. When Hagar ran out of water, she searched desperately between the hills of Safa and Marwah for sustenance. Miraculously, a spring, now known as the Zamzam Well, appeared to quench their thirst. Later, Ibrahim was instructed to build the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, as a house of worship dedicated to the one true God.
Key Rituals of Hajj
1. Ihram:
o State of Purity: Before arriving in Mecca, pilgrims enter a state of spiritual purity known as Ihram, which involves wearing simple white garments. Men wear two unstitched white cloths, while women wear plain, modest clothing.
o Rules: In the state of Ihram, pilgrims must refrain from certain activities, including shaving, cutting nails, using perfumes, engaging in sexual activity, and participating in any form of conflict or argument.
2. Tawaf:
o Circumambulation of the Kaaba: Pilgrims walk around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction. This act symbolises the unity of believers in the worship of the one God.
3. Sa’i:
o Walking between Safa and Marwah: Pilgrims re-enact Hagar’s search for water by walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwah, which are now enclosed within the Grand Mosque.
4. Wuquf at Arafat:
o Standing at Arafat: On the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, pilgrims gather at the Plain of Arafat, where they stand in prayer and reflection, asking for Allah’s forgiveness. This is considered the pinnacle of the Hajj.
5. Muzdalifah:
o Collecting Pebbles: After sunset on the day of Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah, where they collect pebbles to be used in the stoning ritual at Mina.
6. Ramy al-Jamarat:
o Stoning of the Devil: Over three days, pilgrims throw pebbles at three pillars in Mina, symbolising the rejection of evil. This ritual commemorates Ibrahim’s defiance of Satan’s temptation.
7. Eid al-Adha:
o Festival of Sacrifice: Following the first stoning, pilgrims perform the sacrificial slaughter of an animal (usually a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) to honour Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. The meat is distributed to the poor.
8. Tawaf al-Ifadah and Tawaf al-Wada:
o Further Circumambulations: Pilgrims perform another circumambulation of the Kaaba after the stoning rituals (Tawaf al-Ifadah) and a farewell circumambulation before leaving Mecca (Tawaf al-Wada).
Rules and Conduct During Hajj
• Physical and Financial Capability: Only those who are physically and financially able are required to perform Hajj.
• Gender-Specific Guidelines: Men and women have specific guidelines for Ihram garments and rituals.
• Prohibited Actions: Certain actions are prohibited during Hajj, including harming living creatures, engaging in marital relations, using foul language, and engaging in any form of vanity or personal adornment.
• Behavioural Expectations: Pilgrims are expected to maintain a high level of decorum, patience, and humility, focusing on the spiritual aspects of the journey.
The Hajj pilgrimage is a profound spiritual journey that emphasises equality, unity, and devotion to Allah, bringing together millions of Muslims from diverse backgrounds to partake in these sacred rites.
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